SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INSERTING AN ELONGATE FLEXIBLE INSTRUMENT INTO AN ENVIRONMENT

    公开(公告)号:US20210177532A1

    公开(公告)日:2021-06-17

    申请号:US17119630

    申请日:2020-12-11

    Abstract: Illustrative systems and methods for inserting an elongate flexible instrument into a target environment are described. An illustrative system includes a guide device positioned near an opening to the target environment and having a rotary mechanism and a motor configured to drive the rotary mechanism. The system further includes a sensor system associated with insertion of the elongate flexible instrument along an insertion axis and a processor communicatively coupled to the motor and the sensor system. The processor is configured to receive sensor data from the sensor system, evaluate the sensor data, and control, based on the evaluation, the motor to actuate the elongate flexible instrument along the insertion axis. In some examples, the processor controls the motor to vary a rate of rotation of the rotary mechanism based on a determined system status.

    Splayed cable guide for a medical instrument

    公开(公告)号:US10357321B2

    公开(公告)日:2019-07-23

    申请号:US15903139

    申请日:2018-02-23

    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a cable guide, a first cable, and a second cable. The housing is coupled to a shaft of a medical instrument. The cable guide is coupled to the housing, and defines a shaft opening into a passageway defined by the shaft. A first guide groove and a second guide groove are defined by the cable guide, with each of the first guide groove and the second guide groove being splayed outward from the shaft opening. The first cable is routed within the first guide groove and through the shaft opening, and is configured to slide within the first guide groove. The second cable is routed within the second guide groove and through the shaft opening, and is configured to slide within the second guide groove.

    Low-friction, small profile medical tools having easy-to-assemble components

    公开(公告)号:US12251088B2

    公开(公告)日:2025-03-18

    申请号:US17869045

    申请日:2022-07-20

    Abstract: A low-friction medical device includes a first link, a second link, and a tension member. The first link is coupled to an instrument shaft and a first guide path is defined in the first link. The second link is rotatable relative to the first link through an angular range. A distal end portion of the second link is rotatably coupled to a tool member. A curved guide path is defined within the second link between the tool member and the first guide path. A curved guide surface of the second link defines a portion of the second guide path. A first portion of the tension member is parallel to a centerline of the first guide path, and a second portion is coupled to the tool member. A third portion of the tension member between the first and second portions is in contact with the curved guide surface throughout a portion of the angular range.

    Splayed cable guide for a medical instrument

    公开(公告)号:US11026759B2

    公开(公告)日:2021-06-08

    申请号:US16810429

    申请日:2020-03-05

    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a cable guide, a first cable, and a second cable. The housing is coupled to a shaft of a medical instrument. The cable guide is coupled to the housing, and defines a shaft opening into a passageway defined by the shaft. A first guide groove and a second guide groove are defined by the cable guide, with each of the first guide groove and the second guide groove being splayed outward from the shaft opening. The first cable is routed within the first guide groove and through the shaft opening, and is configured to slide within the first guide groove. The second cable is routed within the second guide groove and through the shaft opening, and is configured to slide within the second guide groove.

    Splayed cable guide for a medical instrument

    公开(公告)号:US10595949B2

    公开(公告)日:2020-03-24

    申请号:US16453530

    申请日:2019-06-26

    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a cable guide, a first cable, and a second cable. The housing is coupled to a shaft of a medical instrument. The cable guide is coupled to the housing, and defines a shaft opening into a passageway defined by the shaft. A first guide groove and a second guide groove are defined by the cable guide, with each of the first guide groove and the second guide groove being splayed outward from the shaft opening. The first cable is routed within the first guide groove and through the shaft opening, and is configured to slide within the first guide groove. The second cable is routed within the second guide groove and through the shaft opening, and is configured to slide within the second guide groove.

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